The extremely conservative U.S. House of Representatives has passed a terrible bill. It would actually make it legal for more dangerous and untrained people to carry loaded, hidden guns in more public places in every state. Only six Democrats voted yes. This government body would allow concealed-and-carry permit holders from other states that have lax gun-violence prevention laws to carry in Minnesota. Many of these states don’t even require permits to carry a gun. These Republicans are bending to the will of the gun lobby and considering a bill that will weaken our gun laws and make us less safe.
It’s hypocritical of Republicans who argue against federal government overreach to undermine the rights of states to set their own rules against gun violence. America’s worst gun laws would become law of the land. The Supreme Court has said states can regulate guns for lawful users.
Minnesota has requirements to get a carry permit, including passing a criminal background check, approval by the sheriff’s department and completing a basic safety-training course. In 12 states, you don’t even need a permit to carry a loaded, concealed gun in public. If this bill passes, police won’t be able to tell a good guy with a gun from a bad guy with a gun. Nearly every major law enforcement association opposes this bill because of its disastrous consequences for public safety.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell and 30 other officials were with a bipartisan group in Washington to testify against this bill. Shame on Minnesota Republican representatives who voted on this dangerous and life-threatening bill. That means Reps. Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and Jason Lewis. They are beholden to the gun lobby that represents only seven percent of gun owners in America.
Gary Thompson, St. Paul
Pioneer-Press, December 12, 2017